Original paper
First record of Tuta absoluta in Haiti
Verheggen, François; Fontus, Raude Bertin
Entomologia Generalis Volume 38 Number 4 (2019), p. 349 - 353
published: Mar 22, 2019
manuscript accepted: Nov 13, 2018
manuscript revision requested: Nov 13, 2018
manuscript received: Oct 10, 2018
DOI: 10.1127/entomologia/2019/0778
ArtNo. ESP146003804003, Price: 9.90 €
Abstract
From March to June 2018, we performed an insect survey in four tomato fields located in the South Department of Haiti. Although crop rotations and insecticide applications are regularly performed on these fields, insect pests repeatedly cause damage to plants and fruits. Leafminer larvae and adults were captured and further identified as Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). This is the first record of this important tomato pest in Haiti. Early conversations with growers suggest that the insect is experiencing a year of unprecedented outbreaks. We expect growers to increase the frequency and doses of insecticide treatments, accelerating the development of insecticide resistant populations. The presence of T. absoluta in Haiti will probably result in a fast expansion to the neighbouring Dominican Republic, and could serve as additional reservoir for dissemination to American countries.
Keywords
tomato leafminer • South American tomato pinworm • invasive insect pests • tomato